This tour combines Ecuador’s incredible natural and cultural treasures with the country’s finest accommodations, including the best hotel in Quito, a luxury lodge in the Andean cloud forest, and the top lodge in the Galapagos Islands.
Begin in Quito, a historic city among snowcapped volcanoes in the Andes. Overnight at a beautiful mansion-style hotel in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage district. With your private local guide, tour the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Spanish colonial-era architecture, including museums and churches with spectacular interiors.
Continue to an upscale lodge surrounded by the beautiful Andean cloud forest. During your stay, explore the jungle with a naturalist guide, search for orchids and butterflies, visit the hummingbird viewpoint, ride the gondola through the forest canopy, climb the observation tower and swim in waterfalls.
Next, fly to the Galapagos Islands, a dream destination for nature lovers, and stay four nights at Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island, the finest resort hotel in the Galapagos. Enjoy naturalist-led day trips aboard Pikaia’s private 100-foot yacht to landing sites on Santa Cruz and the most interesting surrounding islands, such as Bartolome, Santiago and North Seymour. See incredible volcanic landscapes, and get close to iconic Galapagos wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. Depending on the season, also see mating rituals, newborns feeding, territorial squabbles and more. If desired, snorkel in areas frequented by sea lions, penguins, sea turtles and schools of colorful fish. Also enjoy a naturalist-led excursion on Santa Cruz to highlights such as the giant tortoise reserve, lava tubes, scalesia forest and the Charles Darwin Research Station, where different subspecies of Galapagos tortoises are raised.
This tour can easily be customized with additional destinations in Ecuador or in neighboring countries such as Peru.
Highlights:
- Quito
- Cloud Forest
- Quito
- Galapagos Islands
- Guayaquil
